PIONEERS ACADEMY CMA - PART 1 FINANCIAL PLANNING, PERFORMANCE, AND ANALYTICS Section C: Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting … .( 20 %) Unit 12 : Analysis, Forecasting, and Strategy. Unit 13 : Budgeting – Concepts and Methodologies. Unit 14 : Budgeting – Calculations and Pro Forma Financial Statements. 1 Samer Odeh - CMA, CIA, CIPA, CRP, CBA
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CMA STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT (PART 3) STUDY UNIT TWELVE
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PIONEERS ACADEMYCMA - PART 1
FINANCIAL PLANNING, PERFORMANCE, AND ANALYTICS
Section C: Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting….(20%)
Unit 12 : Analysis, Forecasting, and Strategy.Unit 13 : Budgeting – Concepts and Methodologies.Unit 14 : Budgeting – Calculations and Pro Forma Financial
Statements.
1Samer Odeh - CMA, CIA, CIPA, CRP, CBA
PIONEERS ACADEMY
UNIT 12
Analysis , Forecasting, and Strategy
2Samer Odeh - CMA, CIA, CIPA, CRP, CBA
UNIT OUTLINE
Correlation and Regression. Learning Curve Analysis. Expected Value and Sensitivity Analysis. Strategic Management. Strategic Planning.
In forecasting, historical data is used in various ways.
We may look at the past to discover a pattern for use in predicting the future.
Or we may look at the past relationship between twofactors to determine if there has been a cause-and-effectrelationship between them that can be used to predict future results.
1) Time series methods, which look only at the historical pattern of one variable and generate a forecast byextrapolating the pattern using one or more of the components of the time series.
2) Causal forecasting methods, which look for a cause-and-effect relationship between the variable we are trying to forecast (the dependent variable) and one or more other variables (the independent variables).
◦ Strength of relationship (strong, weak, or none).◦ Direction of relationship: Positive (direct) – variables move in same direction. Negative (inverse) – variables move in opposite
directions. (r) ranges in value from –1.0 to +1.0
-1.0 0.0 +1.0Strong Negative No Relationship Strong Positive
(r) of zero does not mean there is no relationship at allbetween the two variables, only that what relationship they may have cannot be expressed as a linear equation.
Warning: ◦ No proof of causality.◦ Cannot assume x causes y.
Regression analysis is the process of deriving the linear equation that describes the relationship between two variables (one dependent variable and one or more independent variables) with a nonzero coefficient of correlation (r ≠ 0).
It is one of the most effective methods for Forecasting.
Regression analysis is particularly valuable-for budgeting and cost accounting purposes.For computing the fixed and variable portions of mixedcosts for flexible budgeting.The y-axis intercept is the fixed portion and the slope of the regression line is the variable portion.
1. The linear relationship established for X and Y is only valid across the relevant range.
2. Regression analysis assumes that past relationships can be validly projected into the future. Economists call this the ceteris paribus assumption
3. The distribution of Y around the regression is constant for different values of X, referred to constant variance or homoscedasticity (all things must remain equal).Thus a limitation of the regression method is that it can onlybe used when the cost patterns remain unchanged from prior periods.
Q.1: Correlation is a term frequently used in conjunction with regression analysis, and is measured by the value of the coefficient of correlation, r.The best explanation of the value r is that it:
A. Is always positive.B. Interprets variances in terms of the independent variable.C. Ranges in size from negative infinity to positive infinity.D. Is a measure of the relative relationship between two
Q.1: Correlation is a term frequently used in conjunction with regression analysis, and is measured by the value of the coefficient of correlation, r.The best explanation of the value r is that it:
A. Is always positive.B. Interprets variances in terms of the independent variable.C. Ranges in size from negative infinity to positive infinity.D. Is a measure of the relative relationship between two
Answer:The relationship between these two variables is a perfectly direct relationship. - as x increases by 1, y decreases by 2. - Since the variables move in the opposite direction it is a perfectly negative relationship, represented by –1.
Q.3: The correlation coefficient that indicates the weakest linear association between two variables is:
For example, in a cost determination regression, y equals total costs, b is the variable cost per unit, x is the number of units produced, and a is fixed cost.
Q.5: A regression equation:
A. Estimates the dependent variables.B. Encompasses factors outside the relevant range.C. Is based on objective and constraint functions.D. Estimates the independent variable.
A. Estimates the dependent variables.B. Encompasses factors outside the relevant range.C. Is based on objective and constraint functions.D. Estimates the independent variable.
The Cumulative Average-Time Learning Model uses a constant percentage of decline in average time per unit each time that the cumulative quantity of units produced doubles.If a plant that manufactures automobiles is subject to an 80% learning curve, and if the time required to build the firstautomobile is 10 hours, then the total time required to manufacture the first 2 autos will be 80% of (10 hours * 2), or 16 hours.
This equates to an average of 8 hours for each automobile. Note that this model measures total time required, which
The curve is usually expressed as a percentage of reduced time to complete a task for each doubling of cumulative production. The most common percentage used in practice is 80%.
The curve is usually expressed as a percentage of reduced time to complete a task for each doubling of cumulative production. The most common percentage used in practice is 80%.
Cumulative average time per unit, minutes Number of units
5.00001%)90x5.00 (4.50200
4.50 x 90%) (4.05400
The Incremental Unit-Time Learning Model states that the time needed to produce the last unit (incremental unit time) declines by a constant percentage each time the cumulative quantity of units produced doubles.
For example, look at the same automobile manufacturing plant, which is subject to an 80% learning curve rate and requires 10 hours to build the first automobile.The time required to manufacture the second auto will be 80% of 10 hours, or 8 hours.Thus, the total time required to produce two autos is 10 hours + 8 hours, or 18 hours.
Let us assume that it requires 12 hours to produce the 1st unit, and there is an 80% learning curve. Determine the production time for the 2nd and the 4th unit ?
We simply multiply 12 by .8 = 9.6 H for the second unit. In order to determine the time required to produce the 4th unit we have 12 * .8 * .8 = 7.68 H . The time for the 8th unit will be calculated as 12 * .8 * .8 * .8, and so on for the 16th, 32nd and incremental units.
Note that these times that we have calculated are for only the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 16th … units as this method calculates the time to produce the last unit each time that production doubles.
The limitation of the learning curve in practice is the difficulty in knowing the shape of the learning curve. There is no question that the learning curve effect exists, but companies typically do not know what percentage they should use in calculations until after it is too late to use the information effectively. As a result, many companies simply assume an 80% learning curve and make decisions based on those results.
Q-1: The average labor cost per unit for the first batch produced by a new process is $120. The cumulative average labor cost after the second batch is $72 per product. Using a batch size of 100 and assuming the learning curve continues, the total labor cost of four batches will be:
Q-1: The average labor cost per unit for the first batch produced by a new process is $120. The cumulative average labor cost after the second batch is $72 per product. Using a batch size of 100 and assuming the learning curve continues, the total labor cost of four batches will be:
An investor is considering the purchase of two identically priced pieces of property. The value of the properties will change if a road, currently planned by the state, is built.
The following are estimates that road construction will occur:Future Stateof Nature (SN) Event Probability
SN 1 No road is ever built. 0.1SN 2 A road is built this year. 0.2SN 3 A road is built more than 0.7
The following are estimates of the values of the properties under each of the three possible events:
Property SN 1 SN 2 SN 3Bivens Tract $10,000 $40,000 $35,000Newnan Tract $20,000 $50,000 $30,000
Expected value CALCULATION:Expected
Value Bivens Tract: .1 ($10,000) +.2($40,000) + .7($35,000) = $33,500Newnan Tract: .1($20,000)+.2($50,000).+ .7($30,000) = $33,000Thus, the Bivens Tract is the better investment. A calculation such as this is often referred to as a payoff table.
The expected value criterion is likely to be adopted by a decision maker who is risk neutral. However; other circumstances may cause the decision maker to be risk averse or even risk seeking.
Expected value is a rational means for selecting the best alternative.
The best alternative is the one having the highestexpected value.
Expected value of perfect information (EVPI) is the additionalexpected value that could be obtained if a decision maker knew ahead of time which state of nature would occur.
Is the knowledge that a future state of nature will occur with certainty.
EVPI is the difference between the expected value without perfect information and the return if the best action is taking given perfect information.
Example:Expected value with perfect information $260,000Expected value without perfect information (225,000)Expected value of perfect information (EVPI) $ 35,000
The decision maker is not willing to pay more than $35,000 for perfect information about future demand.
The maximum anyone should be willing to pay for perfect information is the expected value of perfect information.
Sensitivity analysis is the process of evaluating the effect of changes in variables on the optimum solution. Such analysis helps management analyze alternatives and estimate the consequences of possible prediction errors
Sensitivity analysis reveals how sensitive expected value calculations are to the accuracy of the initial estimates.
Sensitivity analysis is thus useful in determining whether expending additional resources to obtain better forecasts is justified.
The benefit of sensitivity analysis is that managers can see the effect of changes assumptions on the final objectives.
For example, in a capital budgeting situation, a proposed investment might promise a return of $10,000 per year and a rate of return of 15%. The $10,000 is based on an estimate. What management needs to know is how acceptable the investment would be if the return was only $6,000 per year.
Sensitivity analysis encompasses a variety of methods used to determine how an expected result will change if the factors that were involved in predicting an amount change.
It is particularly helpful when there is a great deal of uncertainty about the various inputs to a decision model.
Simulation analysis is the process of learning about a real situation or system by experimenting with a model that represents the real situation or system. Given certain values of inputs, the simulation model uses mathematical expressions and logical relationships to compute the value of the outputs.
A trial-and-error method inherent in sensitivity analysis is facilitated by the use of computer software.
A major use of sensitivity analysis is in capital budgeting, where small changes in prevailing interest rates or payoff amounts can make a very great difference in the profitability of a project.
Q-1: Philip Enterprises, distributor of video discs, is developing its budgeted cost of goods sold for next year. Philip has developed the following range of sales estimates and associated probabilities for the year:
Sales Estimate Probability$ 60,000 25%
85,000 40100,000 35
Philip's cost of goods sold averages 80% of sales. What is the expected value of Philip's budgeted-cost of goods sold?A. $85,000B. $84,000C. $67,200D. $68,000
Q-1: Philip Enterprises, distributor of video discs, is developing its budgeted cost of goods sold for next year. Philip has developed the following range of sales estimates and associated probabilities for the year:
Sales Estimate Probability$ 60,000 25%
85,000 40100,000 35
Philip's cost of goods sold averages 80% of sales. What is the expected value of Philip's budgeted-cost of goods sold?A. $85,000B. $84,000C. $67,200D. $68,000
The expected value is calculated by weighting each sales estimate by the probability of its occurrence. Consequently, the expected value of sales is: $84,000 [$60,000 x .25) + ($85,000 x .40) + ($100,000 x .35)]. Cost of goods sold is therefore $67,200 ($84,000 x .80).
Q-2: Sweivel Company is preparing its budget and, taking into consideration the recent pace of economic recovery, has developed several sales forecasts and the estimated probability associated with each sales forecast. To determine the sales forecast to be used for budgeting purposes, which one of the following techniques should Sweivel use?
A. Expected value analysis.B. Continuous probability simulation.C. Exponential distribution analysis.D. Sensitivity analysis.
Q-2: Sweivel Company is preparing its budget and, taking into consideration the recent pace of economic recovery, has developed several sales forecasts and the estimated probability associated with each sales forecast. To determine the sales forecast to be used for budgeting purposes, which one of the following techniques should Sweivel use?
A. Expected value analysis.B. Continuous probability simulation.C. Exponential distribution analysis.D. Sensitivity analysis.
Expected value analysis provides a rational means for selecting the best alternative
in decisions involving risk. The expected value of an
alternative is found by multiplying the probability of each outcome by its payoff and summing the products. It represents the long-term average payoff for repeated
trials.
Q-3: The process of evaluating the effect of changes in variables such as sales price or wage rates on the optimum solution in a linear programming application is called:
A. Iterative analysis.B. Regression analysis.C. Sensitivity analysis.D. Matrix analysis.
Q-3: The process of evaluating the effect of changes in variables such as sales price or wage rates on the optimum solution in a linear programming application is called:
A. Iterative analysis.B. Regression analysis.C. Sensitivity analysis.D. Matrix analysis.
Sensitivity analysis is a process to determine how sensitive the final result (solution) is to changes in variables. It is often used in capital budgeting decisions to incorporate various levels of risk.
Strategic management sets overall objectives for an entity and guides the process reaching those objectives. It is the responsibility of upper management.
Strategic planning is the design and implementation of the specific steps and processes necessary to reach the overall objectives.
Strategic management and strategic planning are thus closely linked. By their nature, strategic management and strategic planning have a long-term planning horizon.
Strategic management is a five-stage process:1. The board of directors drafts the organization’s mission
statement.2. The organization performs SWOT (situational) analysis.3. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis, upper
management develops a group of strategies describing how the mission will be achieved.
4. Strategic plans are implemented through the execution of component plans at each level of the entity.
5. Strategic controls and feedback are used to monitor progress, isolate problems, and take corrective action. Over the long term, feedback is the basis for adjusting the original mission and objectives.
The mission statement summarizes the entity's reason for existing. It provides the framework for formulation of the company's strategies.
Missions tend to be stated in general terms. Setting specific objectives in the mission statement can limit an entity's ability to respond to a changing marketplace.
Hierarchy of Goals
vision
Mission
Strategicobjectives
Missions tend to be most effective when they consist of a single sentence.
For example, the mission of Avis Rent-a-Car: “Our business is renting cars. Our mission is total customer satisfaction”.
The situational analysis is most often called a SWOT analysisbecause it identifies the entity's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Strengths and weaknesses are usually identified by considering the entity‘s capabilities and resources (its internal environment). What the entity does particularly well or has in greater
abundance are its core competencies. But many entities may have the same core competencies (cutting-edge lT, efficient distribution, etc..).
An entity gains a competitive advantage in the marketplace by developing one or more distinctive competencies, i.e., competencies that are unlike those of its competitors.
Implementing the chosen strategies involves every employee at every level of the entity.
Incentive systems and employee performance evaluations must be designed so that they encourage employees to focustheir efforts on achieving the entity's objectives.
This approach requires communication among senior managers, who devise strategies; middle managers, who supervise and evaluate employees; and human resources managers, who must approve evaluation and compensation plans.
As plans are executed at each organizational level, strategic controls and feedback allow management to determine the degree of progress toward the stated objectives.
For controls to be effective, standards against which performance can be measured must be established. Then, the results of actual performance must be measured against the standards and reported to the appropriate managers.
lf performance is unsatisfactory, managers take corrective action.
Results are sent to higher-level management for continual refinement of the strategies.
Business theorist Michael E. Porter has developed a model of the structure of industries and competition.
lt includes an analysis of the five competitive forces that determine long-term profitability as measured by long-term return on investment.
This analysis includes an evaluation of the basic economicand technical characteristics that determine the strength of each force and the attractiveness of the industry.
Rivalry among existing firms will be intense when an industry contains many strong competitors. Price-cutting, large advertising budgets, and frequent introduction of products are typical.
The intensity of rivalry and the threat of entry vary with the following factors:
1) The stage of the industry life cycle, e.g., rapid growth, growth, maturity, decline, or rapid decline.Thus, growth is preferable to decline. In a declining or even a stable industry, a firm’s growth must come from winning other firms' customers, thereby strengthening competition.
2) The distinctions among products (product differentiation) and the costs of switching from one competitor's product to another. Less differentiation tends to heighten competition based on price, with price cutting leading to lower profits. But high costs of switching suppliers weaken competition.
3) Whether fixed costs are high in relation to variable costs. High fixed costs indicate that rivalry will be intense. The greater the cost to generate a given amount of sales revenues, the greater the investment intensity and the need to operate at or near capacity. Hence, price cutting to sustain demand is typical.
4) Capacity expansion.lf the size of the expansion must be large to achieve economies of scale, competition will be more intense. The need for large-scale expansion to achieve production efficiency may result in an excess of industry capacity over demand.
The prospects of long-term profitability depend on the industry's barriers to entry.
Factors that increase the threat of entry are the following:A. Brand identity of existing products is weak.B. Costs of switching suppliers are low.C. Existing firms do not have the cost advantages of vertical
integration.D. Product differences are few.E. Access to existing suppliers is not blocked, and distribution
channels are willing to accept new products.F. Capital requirements are low.G. Exit barriers are low.H. The government's policy is to encourage new entrants.
The most favorable industry condition is one in which entry barriers are high and exit barriers are low.
When the threat of new entrants is minimal and exit is not difficult, returns are high, and risk is reduced in the event of poor performance.
Low entry barriers keep long-term profitability low because new firms can enter the industry, increasing competition and lowering prices and the market shares of existing firms.
The threat of substitutes limits price increases and profit margins. The greater the threat, the less attractive the industry is to potential entrants.
Substitutes are types (not brands) of goods and services that have the same purposes, for example, plastic and metal or minivans and SUVs. Hence, a change in the price of one such product (service) causes a change in the demand for its substitutes.
Structural considerations affecting the threat of substitutes:A. Relative prices. B. Costs of switching to a substitute. C. Customers' inclination to use a substitute.
As the threat of buyers' bargaining power increases, the appeal of an industry to potential entrants decreases.
Buyers seek lower prices, better quality, and more services. Moreover, they use their purchasing power to obtain better terms, possibly through a bidding process. Thus, buyers affect competition.
Buyers' bargaining power varies with the following factors:A. When purchasing power is concentrated in a few buyers or
when buyers are well organized, their bargaining power is greater. This effect is reinforced when sellers are in a capital-intensive industry.
B. High (low) switching costs decrease (increase) buyers' bargaining power.
C. The threat of backward (upstream) vertical integration, that is, the acquisition of a supply capacity, increases buyers' bargaining power.
D. Buyers are most likely to bargain aggressively when their profit margins are low and a supplier's product accounts for a substantial amount of their costs.
E. Buyers are in a stronger position when the supplier's product is undifferentiated.
F. The more important the supplier's product is to buyers, the less bargaining Power they have.
As the threat of suppliers' bargaining power increases, the appeal of an industry to potential entrants decreases. Accordingly, suppliers affect competition through pricing and the manipulation of the quantity supplied.
Suppliers' bargaining power is greater when:C. Switching costs are substantial.D. Prices of substitutes are high.E. They can threaten forward (downstream) vertical integration.F. They provide something that is a significant input to the value
added by the buyer.G. Their industry is concentrated, or they are organized.
Buyers’ best responses are to develop favorable, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers or to diversify their sources of supply.
1) Cost leadership is the generic strategy of entities that seek competitive advantage through lower costs and that have a broad competitive scope.
2) Differentiation is the generic strategy of entities that seek competitive advantage through providing a unique product and that have a broad competitive scope.
Strategies with a Narrow Competitive Scope:1) Cost focus is the generic strategy of entities that seek
competitive advantage through lower costs and that have a narrow competitive scope (a regional or smaller market).
2) Focused differentiation is the generic strategy of entities that seek competitive advantage through providing a unique product and that have a narrow competitive scope (a regional or smaller market).
Since a large firm may be viewed as a portfolio of investments in the form of strategic business units (SBUs), techniques of portfolio analysis have been developed to aid management in making decisions about resource allocation, new business startups and acquisitions, downsizing, and divestitures.
One of the models most frequently used for competitive analysis was created by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This model, the growth-share matrix, has two variables. The market growth rate (MGR) is on the vertical axis, and the firm's relative market share (RMS) is on the horizontalaxis.
The annual MGR is stated in constant units of the currency used in the measurement. lt reflects the maturity and attractiveness of the market and the relative need for cash to finance expansion.
The RMS reflects the SBU's competitive position in the market segment. lt equals the SBU's absolute market share divided by that of its leading competitor.
The growth-share matrix has four quadrants. The firm's SBUs are commonly represented in their appropriate quadrants by circles. The size of a circle is directly proportional to the SBU's sales volume.
Dogs (low RMS, low MGR) are weak competitors in low-growth markets. Their net cash flow (plus/minus) is modest.
Question marks (low RMS, high MGR) are weakcompetitors and poor cash generators in high-growthmarkets.They need large amounts of cash not only to finance growth and compete in the market, but also to increase RMS. lf RMS increases significantly, a question mark may become a star. lf not, it becomes a dog.
Gash cows (high RMS, low MGR) are strong competitors and cash generators. A cash cow ordinarily enjoys high profit margins and economies of scale. Financing for expansion is not needed, so the SBU's excess cash can be used for investments in other SBUs. However, marketing and R&D expenses should not necessarily be slashed excessively. Maximizing net cash inflow might precipitate a premature decline from cash cow to dog.
Stars (high RMS, high MGR) are strong competitors in high growth markets. Such an SBU is profitable but needs large amounts of cash for expansion, R&D, and meeting competitors’ attacks. Net cash flow (plus/minus) is modest.
A portfolio of SBUs should not have too many dogs and question marks or too few cash cows and stars.
Each SBU should have objectives, a strategy should be formulated to achieve those objectives, and a budget should be allocated: A hold strategy is used for strong cash cows. A build strategy is necessary for a question mark with
the potential to be a star. A harvest strategy maximizes short-term net cash
inflow. Harvesting means zero-budgeting R&D, reducing marketing costs, not replacing facilities, etc. This strategy is used for weak cash cows and possibly question marks and dogs.
A divest strategy is normally used for question marks and dogs that reduce the firm's profitability. The proceeds of sale or liquidation are then invested more favorably.A harvest strategy may undermine a future divestiture by decreasing the fair value of the SBU.
The life cycle of a successful SBU is reflected by its movement within the growth-share matrix.
The progression is from question mark to star, cash cow, and dog. Accordingly, a firm should consider an SBU's current status and its probable progression when formulating a strategy.
A serious mistake is to not tailor objectives (e.g., rates of return or growth) to the circumstances of each SBU.
Cash cows should not be underfunded because the risk is premature decline.
However, overfunding cash cows means less investment in SBUs with greater growth prospects.o A large investment in a dog with little likelihood of a
turnaround is also a typical mistake.o A firm should not have too many question marks. Results
are excess risk and underfunded SBUs. According to Kotler, managers need to be aware of the limitations
inherent in the use of a matrix. Managers may find it difficult to measure market share and growth or even define SBUs. Thus, BCG's growth-share matrix may have limited strategic value.
The determination of organizational objectives is the first step in the planning process. A mission statement is a formal, written document that defines the organization's purpose in society, for example, to produce and distribute certain goods of high quality in a manner beneficial to the public, employees, shareholders, and other constituencies . Thus, a mission statement does not announce specific operating plans. It does not describe strategies for technological development, market expansion, or product differentiation because these are tasks for operating management.
Q-2: Intensity of rivalry among existing firms in an industry increase when?
I. Products are relatively undifferentiatedII. Consumer switching costs are low
A. I only.B. II only.C. Both I and II.D. Neither I nor II.
The degree of product differentiation and the costs of switching from one competitor’s product to another increase in the intensity of rivalry and competition in an industry. Less differentiation tends to heighten competition based on price, with price cutting leading to lower profits. Low costs of switching products also increase competition.
Q-3: In a product's life cycle, the first symptom of the decline stage is a decline in the?
A. Firm's inventory levels.B. Product's sales.C. Product's production cost.D. Product's prices.
The first symptom of the decline stage of a product's life cycle triggers such other effects as price cutting, narrowing of the product line, and reduction in promotion budgets.
Planning is the determination of what is to be done and of how, when, where, and by whom it is to be done.
Plans serve to direct the activities that all organizational members must undertake and successfully perform to move the organization from where it is to where it wants to be (accomplishment of its objectives).o However, no transactions occur during the planning cycle
that must be recorded in the general ledger.
Planning must be completed before undertaking any other managerial function. o Forecasting is the basis of planning because it projects the
Planning establishes the means to reach organizational ends (objectives).
o This means-end relationship extends throughout the organizational hierarchy and ties together the parts of the organization so that the various means all focus on the same end.
o One organizational level's ends provide the next higher level's means.
Long-range (strategic) planning includes strategic budgeting. A strategic budget describes the long-term position and objectives of an entity within its environment.o Generally, timeframes range from 3-5 years, depending on
what is best for the company; longer time-frames are not uncommon. Such planning is difficult because of uncertaintyabout future events and conditions.
o Thus, strategic plans tend to be general and exclude operational detail.
o An entity must complete its strategic plan before any specific budgeting can begin. The strategic plan states the means by which an entity expects to achieve its stated mission.
Strategic planning embodies the concerns of senior management. It is based on a strategic analysis that includes the following:
1) Identifying and specifying organizational objectives.2) Evaluating the strengths (competitive advantages) and
weaknesses of the organization and its competitors.3) Assessing risk levels.4) ldentifying and forecasting the effects of external
(environmental) factors relevant to the organization. For example, market trends, changes in technology, international competition, and social change may provide opportunities, impose limitations, or represent threats. o Forecasting is the basis of planning because it projects the future.
A variety of quantitative methods are used in forecasting.
5) Deriving the best strategy for reaching the objectives, given the organization's strengths and weaknesses and the relevant future trends.
6) Capital budgeting, a planning process for choosing and financing long-term projects and programs.
7) Capacity planning, an element of planning closely related to capital budgeting that includes, among other things, consideration of business combinations or divestitures.
8) Contingency planning involves having alternative strategies in place (i.e., disaster recovery plans or business continuity plans) as a way of preparing for unexpected emergencies or other disruptions to operations. The primary purpose for a contingency plan is to ensure operations continue with minimal interruption, losses, or damage.
9) Scenario planning, involves projecting plausible future events (i.e., economic conditions, political environment, scientific and technological developments, etc.) and developing alternative strategies for each one of them to ensure operations continue.
Strategic plans are translated into measurable and achievable intermediate and operational plans. Thus, intermediate and operational plans must be consistent with, and contribute to achieving, strategic objectives.
Premises are the underlying assumptions about the expected environment in which the strategic plan will be carried out. Thus, the next step in planning is premising, or the generation of planning assumptions. Premises should be limited to those crucial to the success of the plans.
Managers should ask, "What internal and external factors would influence the actions planned for this organization (division, department, program)?“ Premises must be considered at all levels of the organization.o Thus, capital budgeting plans should be premised on
assumptions (forecasts) about economic cycles, price movements, etc.
o The inventory department's plans might be premised on stability of parts prices or on forecasts that prices will rise.
The primary task of management is to carry on operations effectively and efficiently.• Effectiveness is the degree to which the objective is
accomplished. Efficiency is maximizing the output for a given quantity of input.
• Effectiveness is sometimes called "doing the right things," and efficiency is known as "doing things right”. o Trade-offs are frequently made between efficiency and
effectiveness.
Objectives should be clearly and specifically stated, communicated to all concerned parties, and accepted by those affected.
After premises and objectives are formulated, the next step in the planning process is the development of policies, procedures, and rules. These elements are necessary at all levels of the organization and overlap both in definition and in practice.o Intermediate and operational plans are translated into
policies, procedures, and rules, which are standing plans for repetitive situations.
Policies and procedures provide feed-forward control because they anticipate and prevent problems and provide guidance on how an activity should be performed to best ensure that an objective is achieved.
o Policies are general statements that guide thinking and action in decision making. Policies may be explicitly published by, or implied by the actions of management. A strong organizational culture means that the
organization's key values are intensely held and widely shared. In this case, the need for formal written policies is minimized.
o Procedures are specific directives that define how work is to be done.
o Rules are specific, detailed guides that restrict behavior.
MBO is a behavioral, communications-oriented, responsibility approach to management and employee self-direction.
It is a comprehensive management approach and therefore is relevant to planning and control.
MBO is based on the philosophy that employees:1) Want to work hard if they know what is expected.2) Like to understand what their jobs actually entail.3) Are capable of self-direction and self-motivation.
2) Integration of objectives for all subunits into a compatible, balanced system directed toward accomplishment of the overall objectives.
3) Provisions for regular periodic reporting of performancetoward attainment of the objectives.
4) Free and honest communication between supervisor and subordinate.
5) A commitment to taking the ideas of subordinates seriouslyon the part of supervisors.
6) An organizational climate that encourages mutual trust and respect.
Steps necessary to implement an MBO program include establishing objectives and action plans (the planning steps) and periodic review and final appraisal (the control steps).
Goal congruence ensures the harmonization of objectives, procedures for achieving these objectives, operational planning, and strategic planning are working as a whole in order to realize the company goals.1) Planning activities must be designed to encourage goal
congruence at various levels of management.2) Periodic (i.e., monthly) analysis of actual results compared
to budget assists with identifying whether a company is on or off course to achieving long-term strategic goals. - Tactics can be assessed and revised wherever necessary in order to get the company back on course to realizing company goals.
Characteristics of successful strategic plans include but are not limited to:1) Clarity of purpose and realistic goals.2) Monitoring, measurement, and feedback.3) Discipline and commitment.4) Leadership.
A. It establishes the general direction of the organization.B. It establishes the resources that the plan will require.C. It establishes the budget for the organization.D. It consists of decisions to use parts of the organization’s
A. It establishes the general direction of the organization.B. It establishes the resources that the plan will require.C. It establishes the budget for the organization.D. It consists of decisions to use parts of the organization’s
Strategic planning establishes the general direction of an organization. It embodies the concerns of senior management and is based specifically on:(1) identifying and specifying organizational objectives; (2) evaluating theorganization's strengths and weaknesses; (3) assessing risk levels; (4) identifying and forecasting the effect of external (environmental) factors relevant to the organization; (5) deriving the best strategy for reaching the objectives, given the organization's strengths and weaknesses and the relevant future trends; and (6) analyzing and reviewing the capital budgetingprocess and capacity planning.
Q-2: Which one of the following management considerations is usually addressed first in strategic planning?
A. Outsourcing.B. Overall objectives of the firm.C. Organizational structure.D. Recent annual budgets.
Strategic planning is the process of setting overall organizational objectives and drafting strategic plans. Setting ultimate objectives for the firm is a necessary prelude to developing strategies for achieving those objectives. Plans and budgets are then needed to implement those strategies.
Q-3: Strategic planning, as practiced by most modern organizations, includes all of the following except?
A. Top-level management participation.B. A long-term focus.C. Strategies that will help in achieving long-range goals.D. Analysis of the current month's actual variances from budget.
Q-3: Strategic planning, as practiced by most modern organizations, includes all of the following except?
A. Top-level management participation.B. A long-term focus.C. Strategies that will help in achieving long-range goals.D. Analysis of the current month's actual variances from budget.
Strategic planning is the process of setting overall organizational objectives. lt is a long-term process aimed at determining the future course of the organization. Analysis of the current month's budget variances is a short-term activity.